Defense Minister and Blue & White leader Benny Gantz delivered a fiery statement Tuesday evening in which he hailed his party for "ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political career" which he deemed to be its greatest feat.
"The end of Netanyahu's political career is Blue & White's greatest achievement, but not its only one," Gantz told a press conference where he launched his run as the leader of the centrist party in the March 23 election, adding that, "Blue & White paved the way, Blue & White has saved the country" through a string of political sacrifices for which it now pays the electoral price.
The former IDF chief accused the premier of acting out of personal interests, mainly to avoid his corruption trial.
“There was not one minute in this government when Netanyahu viewed us as partners or acted for the country’s benefit,” he charged. “Only the good of the country is guiding me, even if I pay a price.”
"The upcoming elections, which Netanyahu dragged us into with his hubris, are the last thing the people of Israel need now."
Earlier on Tuesday, Gantz announced he asked fellow party member Avi Nissenkorn to resign from his position as justice minister after he defected to Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai’s new party, a Blue & White statement said.
"Nissenkorn has chosen a new political home and is therefore expected to resign," Gantz said. "The justice portfolio is one of Blue & White’s most important assets to safeguard democracy and the rule of law, and we will continue acting the same way we have thus far."
Earlier Tuesday, Nessenkorn announced he intended to join forces with Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai who is expected to announce on Tuesday he is forming a party to run in the next ballot.
"We will bring a message to hundreds of thousands of Israelis who feel they have no political home - and we will do so through actions and not through words," Nissenkorn said.
Blue & White lambasted Nissenkorn for his decision to jump ship ahead of the next election.
"Nissenkorn proved he cares only about himself first and foremost. He did not even have the courage to leave the party properly and resign. Huldai, watch your back," a statement read. "Nissenkorn is being ungrateful and is acting like a wheeler-dealer rather than a leader. Benny Gantz appointed him, backed him all the way... In the end, [Nissenkorn] made a personal decision and turned his back on [Gantz]."
Nissenkorn's decision to depart the centrist party reportedly stemmed from Gantz's intentions to join forces with Naftali Bennett's right-wing Yamina party.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Gabi Ashkenazi was also reported to announce a temporary hiatus from politics ahead of the upcoming general vote.
Huldai, who is slated to launch his parliamentary run Tuesday evening, is not expected to resign for the time being from his position as mayor of Tel Aviv, and reserve the option to continue at his post until 2023 if he fails to enter Knesset.
Gantz is also expected to speak to the public at 8pm Tuesday and announce his run as the head of Blue & White.